Preterm labor is defined as labor that begins before 37 weeks of pregnancy. It involves regular uterine contractions that cause the cervix to thin or open earlier than expected. Not every episode of early contractions leads to an early delivery, but preterm labor always deserves prompt evaluation because babies born too early can face serious…
DetailsPrenatal genetic screening and diagnostic testing are used during pregnancy to check whether a baby may have certain genetic or chromosomal conditions. These tests are offered in the first and second trimesters and range from simple blood draws to more involved procedures. Knowing what each test does and when it is offered can help you…
DetailsIn the third trimester, your provider will probably test you for Group B Strep, or GBS, as part of routine prenatal care. It is a common part of late pregnancy care, but it can raise questions, especially if your test comes back positive. Many patients worry that it means something is wrong or that they…
DetailsDuring pregnancy, your uterus tightens and relaxes as it prepares for delivery. These tightenings are called contractions, and they can start well before your baby is ready to be born. Some are just practice. Others are true labor contractions. Knowing the difference between Braxton Hicks contractions and true labor can help you feel more confident…
DetailsThe second trimester of pregnancy covers weeks 13 through 27 and is often considered the most comfortable. Early symptoms like nausea and fatigue tend to ease, and many women notice a return of energy and appetite. At the same time, your baby is growing rapidly, your body is adjusting to support that growth, and your…
DetailsWhat causes morning sickness? Several hormonal and physical changes contribute to pregnancy nausea. Rising levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and estrogen play a major role. New research shows that morning sickness may also be linked to GDF15, a hormone produced in the placenta that increases substantially during pregnancy. Progesterone also relaxes smooth muscle tissue,…
DetailsHow Does Gestational Diabetes Develop? Insulin is the hormone that moves sugar from your bloodstream into your cells for energy. During pregnancy, your body naturally becomes more insulin resistant so that extra glucose is available to support your baby’s growth. For many women, the pancreas compensates by producing more insulin. When it cannot keep up,…
DetailsNon-invasive prenatal testing, commonly called NIPT, is a blood test that screens for certain chromosomal conditions during pregnancy. It analyzes small fragments of DNA from the placenta circulating in the pregnant patient’s bloodstream, often referred to as cell-free DNA. Because it only requires a standard blood draw, NIPT carries none of the miscarriage risk associated…
DetailsThe thyroid is a small gland in your neck that helps regulate energy, metabolism, heart function, and brain activity. During pregnancy, thyroid hormone also plays a direct role in fetal growth and development, especially in the first trimester, when your baby relies heavily on your hormone supply. When thyroid levels are too high or too…
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